Moving Forward

2016 was undoubtedly one of the most exciting, but exhausting, years politically. As with all presidential elections, you see a hype of energy surrounding politics expand as people aggrandize their opinions.

Politics is not something I am particularly new to, although I am not a seasoned veteran either. I can definitely say the 2016 election taught me an enormous amount and I am so grateful for that. So, before I discuss my personal goals and plans of actions for 2017 and moving forward, I want to discuss what I learned from the 2016 election:

1. We need to get boots on the ground for local elections and mid-term elections more effectively. Simply put, the presidential election sucks up too much energy. We need to focus where it matters the most.
2. Energy is too precious to be wasted. Some people can debate and learn new perspectives. Other people will gaslight and deflect. Learn who is who and only spend time engaging with actual people who want to learn and participate. Otherwise, you will burn yourself out.
3. Stand firm. I was an adamant supporter of Bernie Sanders. Many Democrats chastised me for this. I stood firmly in my beliefs. He wasn't perfect by any means but he had so much to offer and opened up some very important conversations. I did not stand down, even after the loss, and I don't intend to stand down in the future either.

Now, earlier today, Rhonda Ragsdale had engaged her Twitter account discussing what we can do it move forward, using the #whatcanwedo hashtag. I got to thinking about what needs to happen to move forward and I responded with a series of comments. To follow Rhonda, find her on Twitter @profragsdale.

1. Get involved in local grassroots activism designed to make changes locally.

Yes, of course we want to transform the world. But you have heard the saying, "Think globally, act locally." We must remember what we CAN do within our confines. Every little difference matters. Find a cause, or six causes, if you have the time and energy. Get involved in the group. Network with other members of the groups and find out what the goals are.

2. Support Brand New Congress and their initiative to flip the seats in 2018.

With the Republican Party in sole control of all facets of government now, we need to strategise to transform this in 2018. The only way to do that is to unseat many elected officials in the House and Senate. Go to www.brandnewcongress.org and donate money. If you know someone who  you think is a leader in your community and can make true transformative change, nominate them.

3. Educate yourself about the topics of allyship you need to focus on. 

If you aren't gay, you might want to follow the blog of a gay person to learn what their struggles and ideas are. If you aren't black, you might want to follow a black person to learn about their struggles. Etc. Piece of advice: Don't ask people how to be an ally unless they are a close, personal friend who you believe would want you to ask that. Marginalized people are exhausted trying to educate "allies" over and over again. Use the resources available and teach yourself. Use active listening. Remember, you do not always need to speak.

In specific to supporting black people in this activism, you can subscribe to www.safetypinbox.com to learn some ally steps. In addition to education and training, you also directly support black women with your money. You can learn more on their website. It was founded by black women activists, Leslie and Marissa, who have quite impressive track records of doing the work.

4. Amplify the voices of the marginalized.

Long gone on the days of allyship being trusted at the front and center. Simply put, allies have failed to truly make the impact that is needed for marginalized people. It is time for allies to step to the side and amplify the voices of the actual people who have the concerns. Aside from listening, share content from these activists. (Make sure you credit them). Read books by marginalized authors. Watch videos and listen to podcasts. Share these materials and what you learned. This way, when you engage your friends, family and politicians, you can actually reference material from the root of the causes, instead of speaking at the level of your own comfort and interests.

This certainly is not an exhaustive list of things that will need to happen moving forward. This is just the groundwork that I believe will work towards the change that we need.

In a future blog, I will address my personal, specific goals and plans of action in 2017. I will also utilize this blog as a tool of self-accountability to ensure I actually work to meet my goals.

Please: Feel free to share, comment and discuss anything you see here.

Much love,
ArchAngel O:)